The development of Interactive Textiles (INTEXT) is a relatively new and extremely promising trend in the textile industry. An INTEXT material is one that can respond intelligently to an environmental stimulus, such as changing color when electrically charged or releasing heat at a given temperature. This article reviews current applications of INTEXT technologies and identifies possible future applications in military and civilian markets. Based upon these applications and associated benefits, it appears that INTEXT concepts will be one of the most significant advances in textiles in the coming decades.
References
1.
“Advanced Combat Uniform,” Presentation to the Technical Director, Natick Soldier Center, 15 December, 1992
2.
CaryPhilip J.LTC, “The March toward the Future Warrior,”Army RD&A, July-August, 1999, pp. 7–9
GormanPaul F.SuperTroop Via I-Port: Distributed Simulation Technology for Combat and Development and Training Development, Report No. IDA-P-2374, Institute for Defense Analyses, Alexandria, VA, August, 1990
5.
GuentherB. D.“Fiber Optic Chameleonic Skin,” Defense Technical Information Center, Research Summary, Accession No.: DA348715, June, 1996
6.
HahnRobert F.JeziorBonnie“Urban Warfare and the Urban Warfighter of 2025,”Parameters, Vol. XXIX, No. 2, Summer 1999, pp. 74–86
7.
HayashiS.IshikawaN.GiordanoC.“High Moisture Permeability Polyurethane for Textile Applications,”Proceedings of the SPI/ISOA/Canada Polyurethane World Congress, 1993
8.
HolmanMark E.“The Use of Microencapsulated Phase-Change Materials to Enhance the Thermal Performance of Apparel,” Technical Report, Frisbie Technologies, paper presented at the Heat Transfer Division session at the 1999 ASME IMECE Conference in Nashville, TN, Nov 14-19, 1999
9.
LewisR. L.“National Protection Center—Using Technology to Protect the Lives of those Protecting People,”Protective Clothing '99 Conference, September, 1999, Clemson University, Charlotte, NC
10.
LeitchP.TassinariT.WinterhalterC.FaineyJ.HerbertJ.LeeC.HoytR.“Interactive Textiles Front End Analysis—Phase 1,” Natic/TR-99/004, Natick Soldier Systems Center, Natick, MA
11.
MaycumberS. G.“1945-1995: 50 Years of Textile and Fiber Innovations that Outstripped the Previous 5,000 Years,”Daily News Record, 25:232, Dec. 7, 1995, pp. 3-7
12.
ObusekJohn P.Col., “Warfighter Physiological Status Monitoring,”Army RD&A, July-August, 1999, pp. 10–12
13.
“Organic Transisters are Ready to Wear,”Adhesives Age, February, 1995, p. 74
14.
PentlandAlexSmart Rooms, Smart Clothes, The Media Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Research Paper, April, 1996
ShahnpoorM.Bar-CohenY.SimpsonJ. O.SmithJ.Ionic Polymer-Metal Composites (IPMC) as Biomimetic Sensors, Actuators and Artificial Muscles—A Review, paper available from the University of New Mexico Web Site, www.unmsedu/~AMRI, September, 1999
17.
“Shelter Tech Base—Links to Army Science & Technology Master Plan,” Session Summary, Natick Soldier Center, 15 December, 1992
18.
SmithE.Officer 21, Presentation to the Protective Clothing Symposium, Clemson University, September 21-23, 1999
19.
ThirumalaiA.ContrerasR.Broad Area Technology Applications for Military Police Operations—Situational Awareness Using Digital Technology to Enhance Survivability, AFRL-VS-PS-TR-1998-1061, July, 1998
20.
TruongQ.RivenD.Evaluation of Chempak Light Membrane for CB Protective Clothing—Phase 1, Natick/TR96/023L, Natick Soldier System Center, March 1996
21.
TullingtonB. J.ButzD. J.HillT. E.A Notational Individual Fighting System, Final Report, Tactical Technology Center, Columbus, OH, August, 1987
22.
WesslingF.IIIMaintenance and Repair Support System (MARSS), NATIC/TR-99/017, Natick Soldier Center, Natick, MA, February, 1999
23.
WinterhalterC.WilsonP.Electro-Optic Fabrics for the Warrior of the 21st Century, Small Business Innovation Research Program, Proposal #OSD 98-003, Natick Soldier Systems Center, Natick, MA, December 10, 1998
